Hi All,
I hope your progressive blog posting partying is going well!
In my last entry my mother was still in the hospital expecting to be released the next day. When the next day arrived another ailment or blood work problem would follow and keep us there one more day. Rinse and repeat – 9 days.
• She was admitted with a high ammonia level and hepatic encephalopathy.
• Once that was pretty much under control, severe anemia reared its ugly head and required blood transfusions, but not before experiencing the frightening and debilitating shortness of breath that is associated with low blood count.
• The shortness of breath was severe all night long before I finally convinced them to transfuse her with blood. The shortness of breath hung around a little longer than expected after the transfusion, so that kicked off concern of some type of hepa-pulmonary complication and all of the assorted tests.
• Luckily there were no blood clots or blockages in/out of the lungs.
• We hung around all day that day to get the results and complete the last of the pulmonary testing when they advised us that she was dangerously acidic and her kidney numbers (function) was perilous, at best. Their recommendation was to give it one more day and see if the numbers stabilized, and then they could comfortably discharge her.
• She wouldn’t hear of it. We left that afternoon, AMA (against medical advice). After 9 days I could complete understand why she wanted to do that, but I was FURIOUS.
o The doctors were saying she would be out one day and would be back, except she would be in ICU and things would be really, really bad. So, naturally I was VERY concerned. That was on Tuesday of this week.
Now, admittedly, she would be better, I’m sure, if she had stayed in the hospital a couple of more days, but her state of mind was coming close to impeding her ability to heal. She did have a very tough time the first few days home and I insisted on a visit to the family doctor, which took some work with them, and with her, to facilitate. Blood work at that visit indicated that she was back to normal, for her. Praise GOD! She is still having a rough time though and has started working through her preparation for death – but I’ll write more about that another time.
It has been a very strange day. It started off very good and it has turned into one of those days that poses a challenge at every turn. Mom has been very difficult to take care of today, obviously slipping into a state of encephalopathy, and I think I was hoping for a very good day – and perhaps because it wasn’t my mood turned – I don’t know. That would reek of spoiled child if that were the case!
Anyway – that’s all for now – I hope your caregiving journey gives you a well deserved break today, or soon.
Take care all!
Blessings,
-Derek
You are a disruptor. The delivery of health care starts with you, continues because of you, and ends with you. Let's disrupt together to make the world better for family caregivers. 
Denise
Hi Derek–I’m always so glad to hear from you. I’m so sorry about the nine-day challenge. UGH! I’m even sorrier it was a tough day for both of you. I hope you both get a good rest tonight, ready to fight to good fight again tomorrow.
And, I hope tomorrow brings you an unexpected, but very well-deserved, blessing.
Sharon
Hi,Derek,
I am so sorry about the long stay in the hospital with your Mom. I hope and pray that things will begin to improve with her health. Thanks for your comments in response to my comment on Denise’s article “What’s That One question?” I appreciate it so much.
Kaye Swain
Hi Derek, I’m so sorry to hear you’re having to deal with this during the holidays. That seems to make it a bit harder. My dad was placed in hospice right after Thanksgiving and went home to the Lord shortly after the New Year.
We did find God kept us going throughout, using hospice to be such a blessing for us during that difficult time.
I’m praying for you and your mom for wisdom, peace, guidance, and encouragement.